Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays

[tommac]

Is it OK for someone to wish everyone Merry Christmas or must we say happy holidays as to not offend anyone?

[cosmocrazy]

Why should one take offence?, for the people its relevant to Merry Christmas, for those its not Happy Holidays! one should respect the notion either way.

[marsbug]

I've just wished someone happy holidays on the basis of caution when speaking to someone new, but amongst people I know even a little bit better I would use happy christmas and assume they'd take it in the spirit it was meant. In fact, the hell with it: Happy christmas everyone on BAUT forum!

[Fazor]

It's funny; I use to complain about the "political correcting" of holidays (e.g., schools no longer have 'Christmas Break' but instead 'Winter Vacation' or some other PC name). But I find myself doing what cosmocrazy said with my customers; I'll say 'Merry Christmas' to people who I know celebrate it, or at least I suspect of celebrating it (or have said it to me first)--but there's been some people that I suspect don't celebrate it, or generally don't seem in a cheery holiday-mood, so I find myself saying "Happy hollidays".

But I agree, you shouldn't be offended if someone says "Merry Christmas" and you don't celebrate it. I wouldn't be offended if I was offered a "Happy Hanukkah". I'd be caught off-gaurd as it's not the normal assumption people make. But personally, I'm glad to have as many "happy" days as I can get. :)

Then again, there's a lot of things people get offended over that I think are completely ridiculous. What do I know? :-P

[BioSci]

Is it OK for someone to wish everyone Merry Christmas or must we say happy holidays as to not offend anyone?

Presumably, you are are giving them a pleasant greeting to make them feel good? therefore:

If you think they celebrate Christmas: Merry Christmas is perfect.

If you think they are not of Christian background (Hindu, Buddhist, Wiccan, or etc.) then Happy Holidays may be more pleasant to hear.

If you are in a more formal, ~business relationship, the more neutral Happy Holidays is sure to be appreciated by all.

If they are a Scrooge, they will reply Bah Humbug! to either :)

[Gillianren]

Okay, let's be careful to make this neither political nor religious . . . .

In theory, I don't celebrate Christmas. In fact, last year, I started playing a CyberGen game instead. (I finished by having a depressive episode, but that's a story for another time.) Most years, however, I do attend a Christmas gathering of some sort. I still get a Christmas phone call from my mother. And my coreligionist and I, both of whom finish our religious celebrations four days before Christmas like good Pagans, still refer to "Christmas presents," and she was raised Pagan. Even though we give them on Yule. (Or at least most years. She's still snowbound, so probably some time around New Year's.)

My thinking, however, has been that everyone in America, and most people around the world, celebrate at least two holidays at this time of year, even if Christmas isn't one of them. We celebrate Thanksgiving and New Year's. Therefore, "happy holidays" makes more sense to me. However, I do accept "merry Christmas" in the spirit in which (most) people intend it. I was also, however, pleasantly surprised when my psychiatrist asked me what the proper greeting was for a Pagan at this time of year.

[hhEb09'1]

I was also, however, pleasantly surprised when my psychiatrist asked me what the proper greeting was for a Pagan at this time of year.And? :)

The BA appears (http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/12/21/waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnt/) to have taken to wishing everyone a cheerful Newtonmas, since Newton was born on December 25 (Old Style), but it reminds me too much of a suburb of Boston in Middlesex county. Middlesex?

Anyway, Merry Xmas, everyone :)

ETA: (http://www.bautforum.com/conspiracy-theories/3090-did-get-mentioned-already-sorry-if-its-repost.html#post46875) Also in the spirit of genericity: "a happy new year to you! If it's not your new year, have a good life!"

[Fazor]

Hey, hheb, I think you're on to something. We're a fairly scientific community right? Thus also many of us are at least somewhat versed in math.

The 'ol shorthand X-mas could have new meaning; Merry x-mas. Good 'ol variables FTW.

[hhEb09'1]

Ah, the X not only stands for math and science, it can stand for anyone? Traditional, scientific, and generic.

[Buttercup]

I say Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays interchangeably - despite my own personal beliefs [which of course will go unmentioned as per forum rules]. :)

[Gillianren]

Well, if a mod says I can say it, after all!

The correct greeting to a Pagan this time of year is "Blessed Yule."

[davidlpf]

Well whatever you celebrate have a good one.

[korjik]

Happy holidays, for the pupose of political correctness, is wrong. Happy Holidays because you arent christian, or because you think the recipient is not christian, is fine.

The inverse it true also. Mandating merry christmas is just as bad as forbidding it.

I have always thought alot like Fazor. Take the greeting for the spirit, not the religion. Getting offended at a Merry Chrismas misses the whole point. Worrying about giving offence from a Merry Christmas misses the point.

This is a time of celebration and cheer. Pretty much always has been, and hopefully always will be.

So have a Merry freakin' Christmas :)

[Gillianren]

Happy holidays, for the pupose of political correctness, is wrong. Happy Holidays because you arent christian, or because you think the recipient is not christian, is fine.

How about "happy holidays" because you aren't sure? Or because, as I said, there are a bunch of other holidays at this time of year? You may see it as politically correct; I see it as polite. (Even though some 80% of the American population does, indeed, celebrate Christmas.)

[tommac]

My feeling is that I am wishing them something from me. If Merry Christmas is what means something from me then shouldnt I say merry christmas rather than water it down with something much less meaningful like happy holidays ... in fact christmas is the only real MAJOR holiday in dec. Here in the US it seems at least to me to have a different meaning that isnt entirely religious. It is a time to get together with family and friends to give gifts.

I personally am not religious but I love the feeling of christmas time. i really hate having to water down my spirit by wishing happy holidays ... ug ...

[cosmocrazy]

My feeling is that I am wishing them something from me. If Merry Christmas is what means something from me

Then wish away, they should respect your good intentions. :)

[peteshimmon]

I always figured Merry is for grown ups meaning
have a few stiff ones and get a bit p... er
inebriated and use mince pies to cope. (After
parking up and not driving for another 12 hrs).
Happy is for the youngsters.

[tommac]

In this case I am merry most of the year ... or at least more often then I am happy ;-)


I always figured Merry is for grown ups meaning
have a few stiff ones and get a bit p... er
inebriated and use mince pies to cope. (After
parking up and not driving for another 12 hrs).
Happy is for the youngsters.

[TheHalcyonYear]

It seems to me that "Happy Holidays" tends to be more appropriate. Many people are not Christian but still celebrate the end of the seasonal cycle at this time of year; Jews, and Pagan holidays come to mind, I assume others. Nothing with "Merry Christmas" just seems a bit polite to make it generic and respect everyone's beliefs.

[tommac]

I mean ... I guess if I went to a country where they celebrated "foobar" and someone wished me a happy "foobar" should i get insulted because I dont believe in the magic of foobar? should the person need to resist the urge to wish me a happy foobar because I may be someone who isnt really into the whole foobar idea?

[hhEb09'1]

Yeah, you don't look like you'd be into foobar

[steffanie]

I have never been wished 'happy holidays' in my 25 years! Its unheard of in Ireland. I guess i always thought it was an American thing. But just to point out i have never heard it been said or had it said to me. I wouldn't be offended either way but i prefer merry christmas:)

[captain swoop]

Merry Christmas to you all.

[TheHalcyonYear]

I mean ... I guess if I went to a country where they celebrated "foobar" and someone wished me a happy "foobar" should i get insulted because I dont believe in the magic of foobar? should the person need to resist the urge to wish me a happy foobar because I may be someone who isnt really into the whole foobar idea?
So here we are in the United States. At this time of year, Jewish people celebrate Chanukah, while Pagans celebrate Yule, and Christians celebrate Christmas. Why assume everyone is celebrating Christmas in this country? Why not just happy holidays and in recognition of the diversity culture and tradition?

[TheHalcyonYear]

I say Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays interchangeably - despite my own personal beliefs [which of course will go unmentioned as per forum rules]. :)
Then why not just look someone in the eye and wish them a happy Chanukah, or a merry Yule?

[captain swoop]

Why not be true to your own belief?

[TheHalcyonYear]

Why not be true to your own belief?
I always find it interesting that the whole issue being considered in this thread is always "Christmas" based. There never seems to be concern about wishing someone "happy Chanukah" or "merry Yule". Seems to me that everyone ought to chill out. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and its only those who do that worry about how to greet others during this "end of the seasons" period.

[cosmocrazy]

I always find it interesting that the whole issue being considered in this thread is always "Christmas" based. There never seems to be concern about wishing someone "happy Chanukah" or "merry Yule". Seems to me that everyone ought to chill out. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and its only those who do that worry about how to greet others during this "end of the seasons" period.

Why not be true to your own belief?

I agree with both, as i tried to state before, there is nothing wrong with what end of season greeting one uses. Its the thought of good will to others that counts, regardless how it is termed. :)

[TheHalcyonYear]

I agree with both, as i tried to state before, there is nothing wrong with what end of season greeting one uses. Its the thought of good will to others that counts, regardless how it is termed. :)
I agree, but I also don't think it hurts to greet others with a greeting that wish them happiness in the holiday that they are about celebrate.

As I said, its a small thing and I don't really think it matters much one way or another. I just think it's kinda silly to see this come up each year concerning Christmas while those with other beliefs don't really see much to comment on.

[captain swoop]

I am an Atheist but I always say Merry Christmas. Well, in the UK we get Slade (http://www.slade-weerallcrazee.co.uk/), Wizzard (http://www.roywood.co.uk/) the Pogues featuring Kirsty McCall, Jethro Tull etc all singing Merry Christmas songs on the BBC so what can u do?

[cosmocrazy]

Its funny how Noddy Holder is on all the tv programs at Christmas time...:rolleyes:

"so here it is merry Christmas everybody's having fun!" :wall:

[TheHalcyonYear]

I am an Atheist but I always say Merry Christmas. Well, in the UK we get Slade (http://www.slade-weerallcrazee.co.uk/), Wizzard (http://www.roywood.co.uk/) the Pogues featuring Kirsty McCall, Jethro Tull etc all singing Merry Christmas songs on the BBC so what can u do?
Not a problem I don't think anyone has suggested that there's anything wrong with that. I just don't see what the big deal is with wishing someone who is Jewish a happy Chanukah, or Pagan a "merry Yule", since that is what they celebrate.

I don't see anyone complaining about other holidays that are celebrated this time of year, so why do so many worry about Christmas. It seems to me that it's those who wish others "merry Christmas" who make a big thing out of this while others just move on with life.

Since some don't celebrate Christmas, it seems rather foolish to wish them a happy holiday that they don't celebrate. Sorta on par with wishing someone, "happy my birthday". They may be uninterested in and indifferent to your birthday, so why bother do it.

The whole issue seems rather foolish to me.

[TheHalcyonYear]

Its funny how Noddy Holder is on all the tv programs at Christmas time...:rolleyes:

"so here it is merry Christmas everybody's having fun!" :wall:
Actually I am enjoying my celebration of Kwanzaa, but thanks.

And wishing everyone here on BAUT a very merry Kwanzaa!! :)


And yes we are having a lot of fun feasting and celebrating!!

[cosmocrazy]

Merry Kwanzaa THY! i wish you and your family a great time! :)

[captain swoop]

Its funny how Noddy Holder is on all the tv programs at Christmas time...:rolleyes:

"so here it is merry Christmas everybody's having fun!" :wall:

Noddy is a Hero! He is a regular on the Radcliffe and Marconie show and famously featured in the Nobby's Nuts advert!

[tommac]

So here we are in the United States. At this time of year, Jewish people celebrate Chanukah, while Pagans celebrate Yule, and Christians celebrate Christmas. Why assume everyone is celebrating Christmas in this country? Why not just happy holidays and in recognition of the diversity culture and tradition?

Firstly chanukah is a very minor holiday in comparison to Christmas meaning that Christmas is a major catholic/christian holiday ( either #1 or #2 probably #1 ) and Chanukah is a very minor jewish holiday.

As far as pagans there just arent that many in the US as a percentage.

Thirdly, the US was founded in christianity which leads to the setting of the basic holidays. Like holloween, christmas, easter etc ... These holidays are part of US tradition and the fact that they are founded in religion is really trumped by the fact that these are the holidays that the founding fathers celebrated and have made US holidays.

Celebrating christmas does not make you not a jew or not a pagan. In the same way a cristian going to a barmitzva makes them not a cristian.

I dont have an issue adding another holiday of different religious background to the US list of holidays ... but I dont think we should mess with Christmas.

Merry Christmas to ALL.

[antoniseb]

I hope that everyone is as merry or happy as they can be every day of the year (except days which you choose to be more somber for whatever reason).

For various probably obvious reasons, I'm closing this thread.